The Peasant Prince

The Peasant Prince written by Li Cunxin and illustrated by Anne by Spudvilas is a picture book which begins with Li and his beloved father flying a kite together. It is here that Li’s father tells him an old Chinese fable about a frog that was determined to escape from a deep, dark well. This story of the little frog’s determination touched Li so much that it became a constant reminder to him of his own life and if he was just as determinate he might escape from his life of poverty.

The Peasant Prince focuses on childhood and growing up, with hope and determination. His voice, as he relates his life story to young children is conveyed beautifully beginning the story in third person. Li acts as a personal storyteller as if he is there in the room with us, telling the reader of a boy who lived in China in a tiny brick house. It is told in much was as you would tell a fairytale to a child. However then the story moves into the first person: ‘That small boy was me, and my story begins with a kite’.  Throughout the story Li keeps a simple tone which is ideal for young children to listen to. It has a warmth and empathy that is a delight to experience especially in the classroom.  

The text and illustration together show us this life of poverty and Li constantly battling against it. The reader sees his many brothers longing for more food and sleeping on a dirt floor in their village home.  When the opportunity arises for Li, unexpectedly a group of Madam Mao’s representatives come to his school and select students to study ballet for the glory of Chairman Mao. The reader sees Li’s sadness as he leaves home on a journey across China to start a new life in a strange daunting place.  Li remembers the little frog in the story his father told him, and becomes determined to study and become the greatest ballet dancer he can be.

The Peasant Prince carries underlying themes which include poverty, hope, uncertainty, dedication, motivation, change and loneliness. These underlying messages are suitable for the primary years as these years can relate to the themes/ messages and create meaning from them. As the themes are more complex it would be more difficult to read this book in the early years as the messages are far too complex however students of this age could just look at the images and relate to Li and his life. This story is one which children and parents can relate to and would have a large impact if read as a family or in a shared/ guided reading programme.